The Division is engaged in a range of research efforts related to MASLD/MASH. These projects span subjects such as enhancing diagnostic approaches, risk calculators, and care pathways; evaluating non-invasive tests like the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis test; understanding pathogenic drivers such as fibrosis, toxic exposures, and macrophages; and exploring the interplay between diet, microbiota, and molecular profiles in influencing disease severity. The Division also supports research that examines the role of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in pregnancy.

Researchers associated with MASH/MASLD projects include:

• Meena B. Bansal, MD
• Andrea D. Branch, PhD
• Bishuang Cai, PhD
• Xiaotao 'Rony' Zhang, MD, PhD
• Augusto Villanueva, MD, PhD

By spearheading innovative population health initiatives, the Division of Liver Diseases has developed and implemented new algorithms to identify patients with hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, and delta hepatitis, thereby facilitating life-saving care.

Moreover, we are conducting epidemiological studies to evaluate barriers to screening and treatment for hepatitis delta virus, while pioneering the implementation of universal hepatitis B virus screening and reflex testing for hepatitis delta virus. Additionally, our researchers are also exploring the role of telehealth in improving access to treatment for hepatitis C.

Researchers associated with viral hepatitis and HIV projects include:

• Meena B. Bansal, MD
• Andrea D. Branch, PhD
• Douglas T. Dieterich, MD
• Pruthvi Patel, MD

Our researchers are examining the long-term liver effects in first responders exposed to the toxic World Trade Center dust cloud on September 11, 2001.

Key projects include investigating the potential link between this exposure and fatty liver disease and leveraging advanced imaging analysis to examine dose-response relationships and temporal connections between liver disease and other conditions. We are also pioneering novel statistical methods to reveal how multi-component toxic exposures contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in prevalence of liver disease within the responder cohort.

Researchers associated with World Trade Center projects include:

• Andrea D. Branch, PhD
• Meena Bansal, MD

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, and the Division supports multiple projects aimed at better understanding and combating its effects. These projects include genomic analyses to uncover molecular drivers and distinctive presentations of HCC in underserved populations. The Division is also part of a multi-institutional collaborative effort to develop novel liquid biopsy and radiomics approaches for early HCC detection and surveillance in at-risk patient cohorts.

Researchers associated with HCC projects include:

• Andrea D. Branch, PhD
• Josep Llovet, MD
• Daniela Sia, PhD
• Augusto Villanueva, MD, PhD